LEEDS UNITED 2 QPR 0

Once again, United were one of only a handful of clubs in England to beat the big freeze to ensure the game against top of the table Queens Park Rangers went ahead.
Simon Grayson named an unchanged side for the visit of QPR while Neil Warnock recalled former United striker Rob Hulse to his starting line-up

QPR had suffered their first defeat of the season the previous weekend, but they started well enough at Elland Road and Kasper Schmeichelhad to get down well to save an early free-kick.

United had to make an early change in the contest with Alex Bruce limping out of the action to be replaced by Leigh Bromby.

It was Leeds who carved out the first real chance as well, when Paddy Kenny clawed away aLuciano Becchio header.

At the other end, Adel Tarrabt broke from midfield, but screwed his shot wide. United responded immediately with a break and Robert Snodgrass fired wide

It was a positive opening 20 minutes from United who looked to play some good football, but the visitors looked an equal threat and were looking to move the ball quickly on the break.

And it was 1-0 to United on 25 minutes when Max Gradel slammed the ball home from close range. Snodgrass was the architect, twisting and turning on the edge of the box before delivering a cross.Jonny Howson was at the far post to knock it back and Gradel converted.

QPR looked to respond immediately, but after a goalmouth scramble, Kaspars Gorkss smashed the ball high over the bar.

Some of United's football was excellent and Gradel fired wide after some terrific work by Howson.

As the game headed towards half-time, tempers flared following a challenge from Clint Hill on Paul Connolly, and players from both sides became involved in a ,melee.

There were four added minutes in the first half and Leeds finished in the ascendancy with Snodgrass forcing another save from Kenny.

The opening exchanges of the second period saw both sides look to forge opportunities, with United defending well to deal with one free-kick.

But it was Leeds who almost made it 2-0 when Becchio raced towards goal and Kenny, at full stretch, was grateful to see the shot turned just the wrong side of the post.

Time was ticking for the visitors if they were to avoid a second successive league defeat, and Leeds were looking and polished and organised in maintaining the lead.

And that lead was doubled on 70 minutes when Gradel raced from inside his own half, before cutting inside Fitz Hall to beat Kenny at his near post.

Moments later, Neil Kilkenny fired wide from distance and Kenny was then called upon to make a great save from Howson, who unleashed a superb strike from outside of the box.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Leeds were looking much the stronger the team and were still enjoying plenty of ball. Snodgrass had a shot wide and Leeds were coasting towards victory against the league leaders.

United were untroubled during the closing stages as Simon Grayson's side eased to a ninth successive game without defeat and moved up to second in the table.

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